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I’m sitting on a milk crate drinking a cold local beer in a bar on the edge of Dubrovnik’s walled Old Town. This stripped-back hole in the wall known as Buža Bar is staggered down a steep limestone cliff.On either side of me, tourists shriek and cheer as they throw themselves off the cliff into the Adriatic Sea below. Many sport mullets and most were likely fresh out of the womb when I first visited this bar 17 years ago. To return last year and see it still in full cry, adopted by the next generation of travellers, is testament to the enduring appeal of this fascinating eastern European country.When I island-hopped around Croatia in 2008, it was still an emerging destination. Today, it’s one of the hottest tickets in the Med, with immaculately preserved medieval towns near impossibly turquoise beaches and an easy-to-navigate ferry system. Whether you’re cruising the Adriatic, flashpacking or joining a tour, Croatia has it all. Here’s our pick of its most alluring destinations. Picture: Matthew Williams-Ellis (Universal Images Group via Getty Images).
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I’m sitting on a milk crate drinking a cold local beer in a bar on the edge of Dubrovnik’s walled Old Town. This stripped-back hole in the wall known as Buža Bar is staggered down a steep limestone cliff.
On either side of me, tourists shriek and cheer as they throw themselves off the cliff into the Adriatic Sea below. Many sport mullets and most were likely fresh out of the womb when I first visited this bar 17 years ago. To return last year and see it still in full cry, adopted by the next generation of travellers, is testament to the enduring appeal of this fascinating eastern European country.
When I island-hopped around Croatia in 2008, it was still an emerging destination. Today, it’s one of the hottest tickets in the Med, with immaculately preserved medieval towns near impossibly turquoise beaches and an easy-to-navigate ferry system. Whether you’re cruising the Adriatic, flashpacking or joining a tour, Croatia has it all. Here’s our pick of its most alluring destinations.
Picture: Matthew Williams-Ellis (Universal Images Group via Getty Images).
1. Nature and waterfallsPlitvice Lakes National Park
Why: With its thundering waterfalls, fuzzy emerald forests and neon-green lakes, Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia’s centre is nature’s Narnia. The largest national park in Croatia covers almost 30,000ha and its landscape comprises karst limestone caves, 16 terraced lakes, and tumbling waterfalls that cause stalagmite-like tufa formations to rise up into sculptures throughout. Walkways connect the upper and lower lakes and can take up to three hours to complete. Take note: swimming is not allowed and you need to buy tickets online the day before you visit.
How: Make a daytrip of it and take a 90-minute bus ride from the scenic coastal town of Zadar with FlixBus. The first bus departs Zadar at 8.30am, with three afternoon departures from 3.15pm. Tickets can be booked online. Base yourself at adults-only boutique art hotel Almayer Art & Heritage Hotel, within Zadar’s Old Town. Rooms at the stylish establishment, occupying 19th- and early 20th-century buildings, start from $410 a night. 
Don’t miss: Krka National Park close to Šibenik for a similar landscape. Here, you can cool off at the sole swimming spot, Roški Slap.
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1. Nature and waterfalls

Plitvice Lakes National Park


Why: With its thundering waterfalls, fuzzy emerald forests and neon-green lakes, Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia’s centre is nature’s Narnia. The largest national park in Croatia covers almost 30,000ha and its landscape comprises karst limestone caves, 16 terraced lakes, and tumbling waterfalls that cause stalagmite-like tufa formations to rise up into sculptures throughout. Walkways connect the upper and lower lakes and can take up to three hours to complete. Take note: swimming is not allowed and you need to buy tickets online the day before you visit.

How: Make a daytrip of it and take a 90-minute bus ride from the scenic coastal town of Zadar with FlixBus. The first bus departs Zadar at 8.30am, with three afternoon departures from 3.15pm. Tickets can be booked online. Base yourself at adults-only boutique art hotel Almayer Art & Heritage Hotel, within Zadar’s Old Town. Rooms at the stylish establishment, occupying 19th- and early 20th-century buildings, start from $410 a night. 

Don’t miss: Krka National Park close to Šibenik for a similar landscape. Here, you can cool off at the sole swimming spot, Roški Slap.
2. CastlesZagorjeWhy: The rolling hills of this culturally rich northeastern region of Croatia near the capital of Zagreb are scattered with medieval castles, museums and vineyards. Set on 87ha of idyllic gardens, picturesque Trakošćan Castle is believed to date back to 1334 and features original furniture and a museum. Also worth a visit is Veliki Tabor Castle, a Renaissance fortified structure that was built in the 15th century. BYO Prince Charming.How: Catch a bus from Zagreb to Zagorje with local bus company Arriva Croatia. The journey is just under four hours and is roughly $78 return. Or join a five-star-rated Fairytale Castle & Wine Tasting & Lunch tour with Viator including transport to and from Zagreb from about $360 per person. The 126-room Hotel Trakošćan sits next to its namesake, with leafy views of the lake and rates from $154 a night. 
Don’t miss: Sample the local wine variety belina, as well as regional specialities such as Zagorska soup with mushrooms and bacon, at Vuglec Breg winery.
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2. Castles

Zagorje

Why: The rolling hills of this culturally rich northeastern region of Croatia near the capital of Zagreb are scattered with medieval castles, museums and vineyards. Set on 87ha of idyllic gardens, picturesque Trakošćan Castle is believed to date back to 1334 and features original furniture and a museum. Also worth a visit is Veliki Tabor Castle, a Renaissance fortified structure that was built in the 15th century. BYO Prince Charming.
How: Catch a bus from Zagreb to Zagorje with local bus company Arriva Croatia. The journey is just under four hours and is roughly $78 return. Or join a five-star-rated Fairytale Castle & Wine Tasting & Lunch tour with Viator including transport to and from Zagreb from about $360 per person. The 126-room Hotel Trakošćan sits next to its namesake, with leafy views of the lake and rates from $154 a night. 

Don’t miss: Sample the local wine variety belina, as well as regional specialities such as Zagorska soup with mushrooms and bacon, at Vuglec Breg winery.
3. Coast and cultureSplitWhy: Straddling a peninsula on the Dalmatian Coast, Croatia’s second largest city is both gritty and staggeringly beautiful. It is surrounded by azure shorelines and the harbourside Unesco-listed Old Town boasts Roman ruins, including the 1700-year-old Diocletian’s Palace. Peel yourself off cove-like Ovcice Beach at sundown and get lost wandering through the Old Town’s labyrinthine alleys and lively bars until sunrise.How: Various airlines fly direct to Split from Rome, including Vueling and Croatia Airlines, in just over an hour. Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Split, is set on Žnjan Beach with waterfront cabanas and rooms from $394 a night. For an atmospheric stay in the Old Town, booking.com has a host of private options, including Priuli Luxury Rooms from about $265 a night. 
Don’t miss: Terrace bar Vidilica in Varoš for panoramic views of the peninsula and glimpses of the islands beyond.
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3. Coast and culture

Split

Why: Straddling a peninsula on the Dalmatian Coast, Croatia’s second largest city is both gritty and staggeringly beautiful. It is surrounded by azure shorelines and the harbourside Unesco-listed Old Town boasts Roman ruins, including the 1700-year-old Diocletian’s Palace. Peel yourself off cove-like Ovcice Beach at sundown and get lost wandering through the Old Town’s labyrinthine alleys and lively bars until sunrise.
How: Various airlines fly direct to Split from Rome, including Vueling and Croatia Airlines, in just over an hour. Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Split, is set on Žnjan Beach with waterfront cabanas and rooms from $394 a night. For an atmospheric stay in the Old Town, booking.com has a host of private options, including Priuli Luxury Rooms from about $265 a night. 

Don’t miss: Terrace bar Vidilica in Varoš for panoramic views of the peninsula and glimpses of the islands beyond.
4. Island beatsHvar TownWhy: The party set have been flocking to Hvar’s beach clubs and glam bars for more than a decade, long before the emergence of rowdy sailing festival Yacht Week. Hvar Town is Croatia’s more compact answer to Spanish hotspot Ibiza. It’s a stunner, with a waterside esplanade that wraps around a sweeping bay and a fortress at the top of the town offering incredible views. There’s no shortage of spots for a boogie or beverage. In summer, yachts bob in the harbour awaiting post-club stragglers like fed-up parents.How: Take the one-hour fast catamaran from Split to Hvar with Krilo Kapetan. Buy tickets on the Ferry hopper website or app from $46 one-way. Centrally located with Old Town views, History Hvar Design Heritage Suites offer rooms from about $227 a night. Meanwhile, beachfront Beach Bay Hvar Hotel (from $500 a night) will make you want to leave the party early. 
Don’t miss: Hula Hula Beach Bar on the coast is the king of daytime clubbing. Bring your stamina.
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4. Island beats

Hvar Town

Why: The party set have been flocking to Hvar’s beach clubs and glam bars for more than a decade, long before the emergence of rowdy sailing festival Yacht Week. Hvar Town is Croatia’s more compact answer to Spanish hotspot Ibiza. It’s a stunner, with a waterside esplanade that wraps around a sweeping bay and a fortress at the top of the town offering incredible views. There’s no shortage of spots for a boogie or beverage. In summer, yachts bob in the harbour awaiting post-club stragglers like fed-up parents.
How: Take the one-hour fast catamaran from Split to Hvar with Krilo Kapetan. Buy tickets on the Ferry hopper website or app from $46 one-way. Centrally located with Old Town views, History Hvar Design Heritage Suites offer rooms from about $227 a night. Meanwhile, beachfront Beach Bay Hvar Hotel (from $500 a night) will make you want to leave the party early. 

Don’t miss: Hula Hula Beach Bar on the coast is the king of daytime clubbing. Bring your stamina.
5. Life’s a beachBrac IslandWhy: Croatian beaches are more renowned for their Lego-like stones than their silky-soft shores but Brac Island is the exception. The largest island on the Dalmatian Coast is knitted with pine trees and its star beach Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn), close to the tourist centre of Bol, features a sandbank of fine smooth white pebbles that protrudes into the Adriatic. It’s not the only spot to soak up the sun; check out tranquil bay Vela Luka, and Vlačica, which is close to the Old Town.How: Cruise the cities of the Adriatic from Dubrovnik to Venice on an eight-day itinerary with Ponant that stops at Brac Island, from $6150 per person. If you prefer to explore your own way, inexpensive Boutique Hotel Bol (from about $175 a night) is a five-minute walk to the promenade and offers discounted e-bike rentals for guests.Don’t miss: All beached out? Head to the Olive Oil Museum, which is on the oldest settlement on Brac and offers tours, traditional pressing demonstrations and tastings.
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5. Life’s a beach

Brac Island

Why: Croatian beaches are more renowned for their Lego-like stones than their silky-soft shores but Brac Island is the exception. The largest island on the Dalmatian Coast is knitted with pine trees and its star beach Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn), close to the tourist centre of Bol, features a sandbank of fine smooth white pebbles that protrudes into the Adriatic. It’s not the only spot to soak up the sun; check out tranquil bay Vela Luka, and Vlačica, which is close to the Old Town.
How: Cruise the cities of the Adriatic from Dubrovnik to Venice on an eight-day itinerary with Ponant that stops at Brac Island, from $6150 per person. If you prefer to explore your own way, inexpensive Boutique Hotel Bol (from about $175 a night) is a five-minute walk to the promenade and offers discounted e-bike rentals for guests.
Don’t miss: All beached out? Head to the Olive Oil Museum, which is on the oldest settlement on Brac and offers tours, traditional pressing demonstrations and tastings.
6. HistoryDubrovnikWhy: With its terracotta roofs rising up out of the Adriatic Sea like dragon’s fire, the “Pearl of the Adriatic” was made for the silver screen. Dating back to the 16th century, Dubrovnik is one of the best-preserved Unesco-listed walled cities in the world and home to some of the finest examples of Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance architecture. (Just ask Game of Thrones’ location scouts). As well as a smattering of one-of-a-kind bars, Dubrovnik is within easy reach of nearby Elaphiti Islands and not-to-be-missed cute and compact Korčula Island.How: Small-group, 13-day overland tour Discover Croatia, Slovenia and the Adriatic Coast with Collette features three days in Dubrovnik and starts from $5599 per person, with historical highlights such as a visit to Europe’s oldest pharmacy. Splash out on luxe waterside oasis Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik, with rooms from $820 a night. Dubrovnik can be pricey, but there are more affordable options, such as Van Bloemen Apartments within the Old Town, from $146 a night. 
Don’t miss: Buža Bar for cliffside beers accompanied by an endless display of death-defying stunts performed by mostly our own “yeah-nah” tourists.
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6. History

Dubrovnik

Why: With its terracotta roofs rising up out of the Adriatic Sea like dragon’s fire, the “Pearl of the Adriatic” was made for the silver screen. Dating back to the 16th century, Dubrovnik is one of the best-preserved Unesco-listed walled cities in the world and home to some of the finest examples of Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance architecture. (Just ask Game of Thrones’ location scouts). As well as a smattering of one-of-a-kind bars, Dubrovnik is within easy reach of nearby Elaphiti Islands and not-to-be-missed cute and compact Korčula Island.
How: Small-group, 13-day overland tour Discover Croatia, Slovenia and the Adriatic Coast with Collette features three days in Dubrovnik and starts from $5599 per person, with historical highlights such as a visit to Europe’s oldest pharmacy. Splash out on luxe waterside oasis Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik, with rooms from $820 a night. Dubrovnik can be pricey, but there are more affordable options, such as Van Bloemen Apartments within the Old Town, from $146 a night. 

Don’t miss: Buža Bar for cliffside beers accompanied by an endless display of death-defying stunts performed by mostly our own “yeah-nah” tourists.
7. AdventureMljet IslandWhy: Of all Croatia’s some 1224 islands, Mljet is its most lush. National park covers around one third of this island, which is an unspoilt verdant paradise and the most southern isle on the Dalmatian Coast. Most people visit to cycle to its two hypnotic-blue saltwater lakes located within the park, Malo Jezero and Veliko. A handful of local operators rent out e-bikes and regular bikes (we recommend the former). Get pedalling to enjoy a soothing dip in the lake.How: Catch the ferry from Korčula Island to Pomena on Mljet Island for $73 per person return with Krilo on Ferryhopper. Or hike the national park while on the 15-day small-ship Dalmatian Coast & Montenegro Sailing adventure with G Adventures from $4514 per person in June. 
Don’t miss: The 12th-century Benedictine monastery sitting upon a tiny isle in the middle of Veliko Lake.
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7. Adventure

Mljet Island

Why: Of all Croatia’s some 1224 islands, Mljet is its most lush. National park covers around one third of this island, which is an unspoilt verdant paradise and the most southern isle on the Dalmatian Coast. Most people visit to cycle to its two hypnotic-blue saltwater lakes located within the park, Malo Jezero and Veliko. A handful of local operators rent out e-bikes and regular bikes (we recommend the former). Get pedalling to enjoy a soothing dip in the lake.
How: Catch the ferry from Korčula Island to Pomena on Mljet Island for $73 per person return with Krilo on Ferryhopper. Or hike the national park while on the 15-day small-ship Dalmatian Coast & Montenegro Sailing adventure with G Adventures from $4514 per person in June. 

Don’t miss: The 12th-century Benedictine monastery sitting upon a tiny isle in the middle of Veliko Lake.
8. Farm to tableIstriaWhy: Istrian Malvasia wine, truffles, organic vegies and seafood plucked fresh from the Adriatic: these are just some of the culinary delights that await in this region at the very northern tip of Croatia. The Istrian Peninsula is awash with hilltop medieval villages and coastal hubs, such as its largest city Pula and picturesque seaside town Rovinj. As well as olive groves and wineries, there are a handful of organic farms, specialty producers, and farm-to-table restaurants such as B&B Casa Matiki and waterfront fine-diner Cap Aureo.How: Budget airline Ryan Air flies direct to Pula from London in just over two hours. Once you’re there, you have your pick of hillside boltholes or seaside stays. Surrounded by olive groves, 14th-century oasis San Canzian Hotel & Residences (from $620 a night) in the town of Mužolini Donji has an inviting infinity pool and just 24 rooms. By contrast, wine-themed Villa Dobravac (from $330 a night) in Rovinj is run by a farming family and is not far from the beach.Don’t miss: Seasonal truffle hunting experiences with specialty producers, such as Prodan Tartufi.
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8. Farm to table

Istria

Why: Istrian Malvasia wine, truffles, organic vegies and seafood plucked fresh from the Adriatic: these are just some of the culinary delights that await in this region at the very northern tip of Croatia. The Istrian Peninsula is awash with hilltop medieval villages and coastal hubs, such as its largest city Pula and picturesque seaside town Rovinj. As well as olive groves and wineries, there are a handful of organic farms, specialty producers, and farm-to-table restaurants such as B&B Casa Matiki and waterfront fine-diner Cap Aureo.
How: Budget airline Ryan Air flies direct to Pula from London in just over two hours. Once you’re there, you have your pick of hillside boltholes or seaside stays. Surrounded by olive groves, 14th-century oasis San Canzian Hotel & Residences (from $620 a night) in the town of Mužolini Donji has an inviting infinity pool and just 24 rooms. By contrast, wine-themed Villa Dobravac (from $330 a night) in Rovinj is run by a farming family and is not far from the beach.
Don’t miss: Seasonal truffle hunting experiences with specialty producers, such as Prodan Tartufi.
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